Memorial Day Weekend Events in San Diego

News Summary

San Diego is gearing up for a vibrant Memorial Day weekend filled with diverse events catering to all interests. From cultural festivals, music performances to community engagements, there is something for everyone. Major highlights include Mahler’s Symphony No. 3, the Valley Center Stampede, and the Lebanese Festival. Memorial Day tributes and various art showcases will also take place, enhancing the spirit of the holiday while honoring local culture and community contributions.

San Diego is set to host a vibrant array of events over the Memorial Day weekend, offering something for everyone from cultural festivals to musical performances. The city will be bustling with activities from May 23 to May 26, commemorating the holiday while also celebrating local art and community.

Major Events Highlights

• Mahler’s Symphony No. 3: Conducted by Rafael Payare, the San Diego Symphony’s performance will feature Scottish mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill and the San Diego Symphony Chorus and Children’s Choir. Shows will take place on May 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m., with an additional matinee on May 25 at 2 p.m. at Jacobs Music Center. Tickets are priced between $39 and $120.
• Valley Center Stampede: This classic rodeo event includes barrel racing along with live music and food. The festival, which honors fallen military members, will be free to attend with rodeo tickets available for $35. It begins at 3 p.m. on May 23 and noon on May 24 at Valley Center.
• Sunset Sessions: Taking place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktails on Fridays, this weekly event features signature cocktails, free samples during a sunset toast, and live musical performances.
• Lebanese Festival: A celebration of Lebanese culture and cuisine will take place on May 23 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and all day on May 24 and 25 at St. Ephrem Maronite Catholic Church in El Cajon.
• Sangre, Sudor, y Mito: A multimedia exhibition at the Comic-Con Museum showcasing Mexican lucha libre culture, running through the weekend with admission fees between $20 and $30.
• San Diego International Fringe Festival: The festival features diverse performances at eight venues across the city, remaining active through May 25 with single show tickets priced at $13 and multi-show passes available.
• Annual Bouquet Ride: Scheduled for May 24 at 9 a.m., this bike ride honors fallen heroes, ending with a Memorial Day ceremony on May 26 at Fort Rosecrans.

Memorial Day Tributes

As part of the Memorial Day commemorations, several ceremonies will be held throughout San Diego County including a notable event at Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial at 11 a.m. on May 26. Additionally, the Wave Waterpark will offer free admission to active or retired military and law enforcement staff from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day.

Entertainment and Arts

• Dr. Seuss Exhibit: Featuring secret artworks from Theodor Seuss Geisel, this pop-up exhibit is open until June 13, allowing visitors to explore from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• The Prom: A production by San Diego Musical Theatre, focusing on LGBTQ+ representation in schools, will run until June 1 at 4650 Mercury St. with tickets ranging from $37.50 to $75.
• Craig Robinson Comedy Night: Scheduled for May 26 at Belly Up in Solana Beach, tickets for this show range from $49.80 to $82.55.
• Snoop Dogg DJ Set: Fans can catch a rare DJ performance by hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg on May 26 at Oxford Social Club, with ticket prices from $37 to $3,000.
• Birch Aquarium’s Living Seas: New exhibits showcasing Pacific Ocean habitats will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the holiday weekend.
• Strawberry Festival Carnival: Running from May 23 to May 26 at Vista Magnet Middle School, the carnival features rides and activities, with free entry but rides costing $2 each.

Community Engagement

The weekend will also feature the “Glimpses” arts showcase in Liberty Station on May 23-24, providing a platform for emerging artists to display their work. Additionally, Firday night explorations will be offered at the San Diego Natural History Museum with half-off admissions during “Nat at Night” from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

With its rich selection of events, San Diego invites residents and visitors to engage in a lively weekend that honors both the spirit of Memorial Day and the vibrant cultural fabric of the city.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• San Diego Union-Tribune: Memorial Day Weekend Events
• Wikipedia: Memorial Day
• Travel and Tour World: Memorial Day Travel
• Google Search: Memorial Day events 2025 San Diego
• Times of San Diego: Top Memorial Day Destination
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Memorial Day
• Fox 5 San Diego: Southern California Heat Memorial Day 2025
• Google News: San Diego Memorial Day weekend events 2025
• NBC San Diego: Beach Weather Memorial Day Weekend
• Google Scholar: Memorial Day celebrations